The Level Up Fight Team was back at it as Luther Smith made his amateur boxing debut. The event, was held at Club 1 Fitness in Millersville, Maryland. Smith found out the night before his fight with Shawn Elam, that the two would be fighting for a vacant Maryland State Title. The 34 year old Smith has only been training for a little over a year, but show tremendous potential. With a work ethic adopted from his time in the Military, and a supportive family atmosphere at home and in the gym, Luther looks to do big things with his fight career. Although his start time is not the stereotypical life point that people begin, Luther has a determination that not many younger guys understand. What separates him from many other up and coming fighters is his excitement to fight. All fighters have a desire for competition, but only a few look forward to the fight the way Luther does. Knowing this about Luther, his Coach Jason Farrell thought about holding off to tell Luther about the Title until the day of the fight. “I wasn’t worried about it making him nervous, I was worried he’d be so excited he wouldn’t sleep!” said Farrell. Nevertheless the call was made and met with much excitement.
Once in the ring, the two big men were announced, given their instructions, and ordered to their corners to await the bell. At the sound of the bell they took to the center of the ring and got right to work. Both fighters threw heavy leather back and forth, Luther would use his footwork to move around his opponent, looking to create angles and opportunities. At roughly a minute into the fight Smith landed a short, but very accurate lead hook, that sent Elam staggering backwards and eventually to the canvas. The Ref gave him somewhere close to 30 seconds to recover, which was met with protest from Luthers Coach and Fans. Once cleared to continue Smith pounced on his opponent landing a big flurry that brought the Ref back into play to waive off the fight. Luther Smith wins his Amateur Boxing Debut, and Maryland State Championship by Ref Stoppage in the First Round. Luther was also named Outstanding Fighter Of The Night as well! His was one of only two stoppages on the card.
Level Up Boxing & Fitness is located at 4891 Telsa Drive, Bowie, MD.
